Two positive developments are coming out of the Warm Springs community this month — one that could help students afford college, and one that could draw more visitors to one of Central Oregon’s most distinctive destinations.
Higher Education Scholarship Applications Open
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Higher Education Department is accepting applications for the upcoming 2026–27 academic year. Eligible students can receive a new $1,200 annual scholarship, paid in installments, to help cover the cost of college, vocational training, or other post-secondary education.
All required paperwork must be submitted by the deadline set by the Higher Education Department. Tribal members interested in applying are encouraged to contact the department directly for eligibility requirements and application materials.
The scholarship is part of ongoing tribal investments in education, which tribal leaders have consistently identified as a long-term priority for the community’s economic and cultural health. Warm Springs has historically faced challenges common to many reservation communities, including limited local job opportunities and barriers to higher education — making scholarship programs like this one particularly impactful.
Kah-Nee-Ta Resort Improvements Rolling Out
Visitors to Kah-Nee-Ta Resort, the tribally owned destination resort in Warm Springs, will find improvements this season. The resort is completing an entrance upgrade as part of broader enhancements planned for 2026, including improvements to lodging, wellness services, recreation, and dining.
Resort officials confirmed that the entrance project is part of a larger initiative to refresh the guest experience and position Kah-Nee-Ta for growth. The resort, which sits in a high-desert setting along the Warm Springs River about 30 miles from Madras, is open daily with day-use hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kah-Nee-Ta is one of the tribe’s primary economic engines and a destination that draws visitors from across Oregon and beyond. The resort offers hot spring pools, lodging, and access to the surrounding landscape — and the upgrades are expected to strengthen its position in a competitive Central Oregon tourism market.
For resort information and reservations, visit the Kah-Nee-Ta website or call the resort directly. For Higher Education scholarship inquiries, contact the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Higher Education Department at the tribal headquarters in Warm Springs.